Happy 528!!

When this blog was first started, it was called "A Day in the Life of Design Girl."  After awhile, I decided the title was too long and needed a change.  For months I brainstormed possible names.  That's when Apartment 528 was born.  5/28 is my mom's birthday.  She's the most talented person I know and my inspiration for getting into interior design.  Later this year, she'll be debuting her new line of products.  I can't wait to share them with you when they're ready.

Until then, enjoy 5/28 with $5.28 off your Apartment 528 Store order.  Just enter BLG528 at checkout.  The offer ends today so don't miss out :)

By the way, I'm in Ohio until Tuesday which is why I haven't been blogging.  It's a busy week for us...today's my mom's birthday, tomorrow we're having our Ohio wedding party and my sister's graduation party, and Sunday is my sister's actual graduation.  All of our family is flying/driving in to celebrate.  Love it!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Etsy Shop of the Week: Portland General Store

This one's for the men.  Portland General Store makes all natural male grooming products with an old-fashioned style.  Their shaving creams, aftershaves, colognes, and smelling salts come in manly scents like Whiskey, Tobacco, Moss, and Wood.  Yes, I said smelling salts, which are apparently a great, natural cure for headaches and migraines!  I bought the wet shave jelly and aftershave, both in the Tobacco scent, for my husband's birthday yesterday and let me tell you, they smell amazing!  Instead of the cheap, nauseating scents of body washes and deodorants made today, the products I got from the General Store smells like what you imagine men smelled like after coming back from the barbershop 50 years ago.  It's a REAL man smell!  Now all you need is a good double-edge safety razor and badger hair shave brush (both of which I bought) and you'll feel like you've traveled back in time.

The Weekender: A Little Rock and Roll

This project from Ikea Hacker blew me away.  You'd never guess that the guitars below started out as Ikea Numerar countertops...it's crazy!  According to Scott, it took him 6 months of working on the guitars off and on.  The way I see it, if I start now, I can make Mr. Design Girl a bass by Christmas!  Ha, if only I was that motivated...

Have a DIY project you'd like to share?  Email india{at}apt528.com.

It's 528 Week!!

In celebration of 5/28 next week, we're offering $5.28 off your next Apartment 528 purchase, now through May 28, 2010.  To take advantage of the discount, enter BLG528 at checkout.

Now I'm off to mow the lawn and try my hand at making a laptop sleeve.  I'll report back tomorrow!

 

Happy Shopping :)

Handmade Everywhere!

Buying handmade is all the rage right now with thousands of people flocking to handmade marketplace Etsy every day.  Not only are you supporting the little guy, but you're also getting unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.  But Etsy's not the only place to find handmade items.  Below are the top 5 handmade marketplaces.

Etsy.com - Etsy is the king of handmade.  With upwards of 400,000 sellers on Etsy you can find everything from homemade teas to a wedding dress.  If you're looking for something specific, searching Etsy can be a tedious task; a search for "clock" turned up 10,079 results.  Etsy is also home to barrage of crafters.  Anyone with a sewing machine or glue gun can post on in the marketplace, which can lead to some pretty interesting (and creepy!) items.  Check the Regretsy blog to see what I mean.  While I support anyone looking to share their creativity, it can often be hard to sort through all the hobbyists to find the top quality product you're looking for.  Many Etsy sellers also sell on the marketplaces below.

MakersMarket.com - Makers Market is a new venture from Make.  If DIY is your thing, then Make's for you.  You can search the Make blog, project pages, forums, and magazine for all the projects your heart desires.  If you like the thought of DIY and handmade but don't want the hassle, head to the Makers Market.  Unlike Etsy, the sellers in the Makers Market are handpicked by Make editors.  To become a seller on the site, you must submit an application and be approved.  This means you'll see only the most talented designers.  The layout is much like Etsy's, though my only complaint is that you have to actually click on the product to see the price. Annoying but small in the grand scheme of things.

Artfire.com - I'm personally not a fan of Artfire.  I find it to be an amateur version of the other artisan marketplaces.  To be fair, Artfire is only 2 years old.  Still their interface could use some MAJOR tweaking.  I found a few crafters that sell their products on both Etsy and Artfire, yet the products were 10 times less appealing on Artfire.  Hopefully a website redesign is in their future.  Because there are no fees to sell on Artfire, it seems to attract mostly hobbyists.  While this is my least favorite of all the marketplaces, it's still worth looking at if you strike out at other sites.

1000Markets.com - 1000 Markets is a step above Artfire. Though basic, the website design is decent.  Again, most of the sellers are hobbyists and start-up crafters but there are a lot of neat products.  One thing I'd do is change the layout of the categories.  Right now, only four are featured on the front page...you have to click "see more" to find the category you're looking for.

Supermarket - I've blogged about Supermarket before.  Like MakersMarket, Supermarket is a curated selection of products.  In my book, Supermarket is the best of all the online artisan markets.  There are only a select few designers available and there aren't many bells and whistles on the website, still it's pleasing to the eye and you almost always find what you're looking for.  Expect some products to be a little more expensive than the other sites since you're working with more serious designers/crafters.

Best Idea Ever!

Looking to strengthen your marriage?  Skip counseling and get the Better Marriage Blanket.  For just $49.95, you can own a queen-size comforter guaranteed to keep your spouse's "silent killers" at bay.  That's right, each blanket is made with the same carbon fabric used by the military to protect against chemical weapons.  The Better Marriage Blanket makes a great anniversary, wedding, or Valentine's Day gift.  After all, nothing says "I love you" better than a gas-trapping comforter.

The Better Marriage Blanket comes in white or beige and is available in twin, queen, or king.  Not sold in stores.

via Apartment Therapy

PS - On the off chance that you actually purchase this blanket, you HAVE to send in pics/spoof videos of it in your house/apartment!

Used Friday: Color Color Everywhere!

A few colorful vintage finds to brighten up your weekend!

Clockwise from top left: Gas Station "2" Sign, $18 (Lackluster Co.); Norleans Bowl, $6 (Granny's Thimble); Metal Button Collection, $20 (Orit Dotan); Red Purse, $6.50 (Cheeky Vintage Closet)

Toolbox, $20 (Ask Alice Vintage)

Rainbow Striped Bathing Suit, $22 (Dirty Birdie's Vintage)

 Clockwise from top left: 1980's Microdex, $8 (Half Pint Salvage); Olive Green Planter, $18 (Callooh Callay); Houndstooth Decanter Set, $32 (Vintage Zen); Pyrex Bowl Set, $39.95 (Lagelle); Eyeglass Case, $14 (Ephemera And More); Purple Pumps, $27 (go XO)

DIY Week Continues

I've been patting myself on the back for the past week for all of the little DIY projects I've done lately.  Kudos to me for using my creativity instead of just buying mass produced stuff from the store.  Then I checked in over at the Modern in MN blog where Splatgirl has topped herself once again.  I've blogged about Splatgirl a couple of times...her and her guy have not only built an amazing house but took care to make every inch of it a personal masterpiece.  Just when you think she's finished, she does something else completely amazing.  Like the new tilework in her bathroom.  Suddenly my laundry detergent box turned sewing supply holder doesn't look so wonderful. 

This is definitely one of my favorite bathrooms EVER and it's not even done yet! I can't wait to see the finished project.  The most amazing thing about this bathroom is that Splatgirl laid each and every itty bitty tile one by one.

Before

After

My hat's off to you, Splatgirl.

{all images via Modern in MN}

On the Dial: The Strokes

The Strokes - First Impressions of Earth

I know this album came out three years ago, but The Strokes are working on a new album and I'm so excited that I just need to review something by them.

The Strokes are my favorite band and definitely one of the most original sounding music acts in a long time. Based out of New York City, this quintet was focused on attaining an indie-rock sound that was the norm for NYC in the 1970's.  They nailed it! Everytime I listen to a Strokes song I can almost feel the denim jacket on my back, smell the cigarette smoke in the air, and feel my feet sticking to the grimy beer-soaked barroom floor.

First Impressions of Earth is the third album from The Strokes and although it's not their best album it would be insane to call it, or ANY if their records for that matter, their worst.  The album kicks off with "You Only Live Once", one of my favorite tunes to play along with on my bass.  Later in the album, Albert Hammond Jr., the lead guitarist, shreds on "Heart In A Cage" delivering such a cool riff that it makes me want to drive a really fast car...well, really fast.

Speaking of awesome riffs, "Ize of the World" has the coolest of cool riffs throughout the choruses of the song. The other really interesting thing about that track is the way it ends so abruptly. For the longest time I assumed that the version I had (I burned a copy from a friend) was cut off and didn't have the complete song. It turns out that's the way it's supposed to end though! The last line of the song is "cities to vaporize" but it cuts off before Julian, the lead singer, finishes the word "vaporize" because like the song, the world was vaporized.  Genius!

If you only have time to catch a few highlights from this album, you can't go wrong with the three songs I mentioned, or just put the CD in and hit shuffle.  They're all good.

Now that I've written this review I want to listen to some Strokes and drive to a grimy dive bar and see some really good rock music. Until then I will have to be content with playing my bass along to the songs on my record player and pretending to be on stage with the band!

Sounds Like:

  Julian Casablancas

  The Libertines

  Franz Ferdinand

  Interpol

  The Hives

More DIY

Continuing on my DIY streak I completed two new projects this weekend.  First, I made a snack bag for the hubby.  Wanting a more eco-friendly (and pretty!) alternative to the Ziploc bags he takes in his lunch, I got crafty and made my own bags with a food-safe vinyl lining.  It was a lot of trial and error but eventually, I finished my project!  Since I really have no clue how I got from A to B, I can't provide instructions but the tutorial on We Wilsons blog is pretty good...I just wish I'd seen it before I made mine!  If you're not feeling up to making your own bags, Etsy has many to choose from.

While making the bag, I realized I really needed a place to store all the sewing materials I've accumulated.  So, I turned an empty laundry detergent box into my new sewing box using some leftover wrapping paper.  It was an easy hack that only took a few minutes and some tape.

Because the wrapping paper was of the cheap variety, the edges started to wear in a matter of minutes and turned white.  So, I tore off the wrapping paper and switched to adhesive contact paper.  If you're in the market to make a box of your own, I recommend using contact paper or thick wrapping paper.

Not only was this a quick, easy project, but it saves a few boxes from the landfill.  Now on to my next project...

*have a DIY idea or pics to share from your latest project?  Email me at india(at)apt528.com

Sometimes it's the small stuff...

My almost-mid-year-resolution is to start making more stuff.  I used to make things all the time from wooden dvd racks to pillow shams.  You name it, I was there.  But after living in our apartment for two years, I've either made or bought vintage versions of everything we need.  Now I have a head full of creative projects that have no use.  I've been super restless waiting for our move this summer so I can have a new apartment to unleash my skills on.

Then it occurred to me, why not make some of the little things we need?  That's why I've spent the past two days making small stuff like schedules and snack bags.  The schedules were easy to make. There's a place at the top for the date, check boxes where you can add your to do's, and lines at the bottom for jotting down notes for the day.  To make them more eco-friendly, I printed the schedules on the back of some scrap paper I'd been saving.  I'm considering adding a blank version of the schedule template to the blog as a downloadable PDF...leave a comment if you're interested.

The snack bags will be made tonight so Jerome can use them for work tomorrow.  I'm lining them with nylon so that they're easier to clean...I hate sewing so this will definitely be interesting.  I'll update you with pictures and instructions when I'm done!

If you have any fun project ideas you'd like to share, email them to me at india [at] apt528.com or leave a link in the comments.  I'll add them to the Weekender DIY section so everyone can revel in your creativity :)

On the Dial: Mika

Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

by Mr. Design Girl

I was lucky enough to see Mika perform his unique musical stylings a few months ago at The Orpheum with Design Girl. I knew his first album Life In Cartoon Motion from dozens of car rides with my lady rocking out to timeless pop tunes like "Lollipop", "Grace Kelly", and "Relax, Take It Easy" (which he opened the show with). This new album (it came out last September) is chock full of dancy, up-tempo pop songs that make for an amazing live show.

"We Are Golden" is currently my favorite Mika track by a landslide so I was thrilled to hear it live at the concert. The song has an epic, larger than life feel to it, and the chorus was made to sing-a-long with: "Teenage dreams in a teenage circus/ Running around like a clown on purpose/ Who gives a d*mn about the family you come from/ No giving up when you're young and you want some." By this time in the concert, the energy was palpable and there wasn't a single rear end in a seat.

The Boy Who Knew Too Much is a feel good jaunt through a musical fantasy world that's well worth the listen. Do yourself a favor: rent a convertible, get some over-sized sunglasses, pop this album on, and take a sunny day car cruise, because happiness is here to stay. Other essential tracks off of this EP are: "Blame It On the Girls", "One Foot Boy", and "Dr. John" just to name a few.  Now relax, listen to the whole album and feel good about the world for awhile.


Mika - By Design Girl

Queen is my favorite band of all time.  There's never been a singer quite like Freddie Mercury.  The lyrics, the musical compositions, the flamboyant stage presence.  Everything Queen played had an powerful force behind it.  Need proof, check out Queen's 1985 Live Aid video.  Best live performance EVER!

Gay or not, I'm quite positive Freddie had an illegitimate son and his name is Mika.  There are many times throughout Mika's albums when I have to double check who I'm listening to.  Both men live(d) in a candy-colored world of their own where you can like them or not but their music's here to stay regardless.  Mika even reminds me of Freddie during his performances.  Take a look at the music video for "We are Golden" to see what I mean. If he was alive today, this is the music video Freddie Mercury would have made and the song he would have sung.

Apparently I'm not the only person who sees a little Freddie in Mika.  He's been compared to Mr. Mercury so many times that he included it in his song "Grace Kelly" from his first album Life in Cartoon Motion: "So I tried a little Freddie/I've gone identity mad."  He even does a quick Freddie impression that sends chills up my spine.  Just to set the record straight, the song is about him trying to buck all the molds people were trying to put him in, not about him actually trying to be like Freddie Mercury.

As Mr. Design Girl said, seeing Mika (my favorite current music act) perform live was unbelievably incredible.  First off, he started the concert in a bear astronaut suit.  Afterward, he changed into a white ensemble.  Minutes later, his gyrating caused his pants to split.  No worries, he just changed them on stage.  The crowd, composed mostly of gay guys and 20-something girls, went WILD seeing Mr. Mika on stage in his tighty-whities!

All-in-all, I think Life in Cartoon Motion is Mika at his best; his second release just doesn't have the same magical power behind it.  Many of the songs seemed like leftovers from the first album while others like "Toy Boy" and "Good Girl Gone" seem more like filler than anything else.  Perhaps his third album will be bursting full of fresh ideas.  Still, I enjoyed The Boy Who Knew Too Much.  My favorite song is "Touches You."  The gorgeous harmonies and bouncy melodies make you want to get on your feet and dance.  If you like Prince or Queen you'll love this song.  Next, I love "We are Golden," Mr. Design Girl's fave...it's such an empowering song - listening to it makes me want to join together with a bunch of people and paint the world with rainbows!  If you're looking to slow things down a bit, check out the 20's jazz flavored "Pick Up Off the Floor". This song makes me feel like I'm at a speakeasy listening to a songstress on the mic.  I agree, if you're feeling at all depressed or need to know there's good in this world, listening to Mika will definitely make everything better!

*on a design note, the album covers, posters, and shirts on Mika's site are full of amazing colors and whimsical imagery.  This is one time when I'd say it's okay to hang a music poster on your wall, as long as it's done tastefully with a nice mat and frame!

Sounds Like:
  Scissor Sisters
  Queen
  Lady Gaga
  Lily Allen
  The Ting Tings

Etsy Shop of the Week: Ouma Clothing

If I could re-do my wedding, I'd wear a dress from Ouma.  And use their photographers. 

This coming from a girl who refused to wear a frilly wedding dress (I wore a vintage sundress) and didn't have a photographer (I hate getting my picture taken). 

For once, looking at a pastel-hued dress with layers of fluff doesn't make me want to vomit!  Instead, I want to run through a field of butterflies with singing birds everywhere, all the while listening to the whimsical lyrics of Mika, Sufjan Stevens, and Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears.  These dresses are fabulous and beautiful in a quirky way: they'd be equally as wonderful if paired with tattered sneakers, ripped tights, a funky jacket, and clown makeup. It's all very Tim Burton.

If you don't have any events coming up that require one of these gorgeous creations, try one of Ouma's retro inspired playsuits and you'll look just as amazing!

{image credit: Steph De Saga}

{image credit: Galaxie Andrews}

{image credit: Galaxie Andrews}

{image credit: Galaxie Andrews}

{image credit: Galaxie Andrews}

{image credit: Steph De Saga}